7 Faith-Based Ways to Rest When Overwhelmed

In my last post, I shared my experience of a season when everything felt overwhelming. I was exhausted, trying to do all the right things, and still falling behind. The Holy Spirit whispered, “Give yourself grace.”

That whisper became a turning point. I paused, prayed, and found peace, not from productivity, but from presence. Jesus met me in my overwhelm, and now I want to share 7 faith-based ways to find rest when overwhelmed.

Anchor Verse

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28–30 (NIV)

Jesus’ invitation is simple yet powerful: “Come.”
Not fix yourself first. Not hustle harder.
Just come with your burden, your burnout, your brokenness.

But here’s the question: what are you yoked to?
Are you yoked to your job, expectations, deadlines, or social media?

Jesus invites us to trade the weight of the world for His rest.
And that begins with surrender.

7 Faith-Based Ways to Rest When Overwhelmed:

1. Stop and Breathe

Overwhelm often feels like drowning in chaos. Whether it’s an unexpected bill or a looming deadline, the weight can feel suffocating.

In those moments, pause. Inhale. Exhale.

Science shows that slow, mindful breathing can reset your brain’s chemistry and reduce anxiety. It clears the fog and makes space for clarity.

“Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

The Hebrew word for “still” is raphah, which means to cease, to let go.
Let go of control. Release the pressure.

Stillness is a powerful act of trust. It says: “God, You are in control.”
The enemy rushes. But God restores.
Let God be God.

2. Shift Your Focus

Overwhelm often begins with how we see our situation.
Are you looking at life through the lens of fear or faith?

In Numbers 13, Moses sent 12 spies to scout the Promised Land.
Ten saw giants and panicked. Two, Caleb and Joshua, saw the same giants, but through the lens of God’s promise. And they chose faith.

Same land. Same giants. Different focus.

Overwhelm distorts vision. We magnify problems and minimize God.
But God says, “Fix your eyes on Me.”

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

“Consider it pure joy… when you face trials… because the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” — James 1:2–4

God taught me to see my struggles differently.
He reminded me: “You’re not losing. You’re learning to trust Me.”
That shift changes everything.

One of my favourite worship lyrics says:
“I’ve still got joy in chaos… I’ve got peace that makes no sense.” (from Firm Foundation)

That’s what happens when we shift our gaze from the storm to the Saviour.

3. Pray Honestly

Honest prayer is marked by vulnerability and openness.
It’s not about having the right words, it’s about bringing your heart.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6

Even Jesus prayed with anguish in Gethsemane:
“If it is possible, let this cup pass…” (Matthew 26:39)

David poured out his pain in the Psalms (see Psalm 6 & 55).
Hannah wept bitterly before the Lord (1 Samuel 1).

When I’m overwhelmed, my prayer often sounds like:
“God, I’m tired. I know I should trust You more, but I’m struggling. Help me see Your truth and not just my feelings.”

The more honest I am with Him, the more real His peace becomes.
God can’t heal what you hide.
Open up. Speak freely. He’s listening.

4. Say No Where You Can. Delegate.

This one’s hard, especially if you’re used to being the reliable one.

But here’s the truth:
You’re not God. You can’t do it all. And you’re not supposed to.

Overwhelm often comes from overcommitment and people-pleasing.
Your worth is not in being everything to everyone.
Your worth is in who you are in Christ.

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.” — Psalm 118:8

Saying no isn’t selfish, it’s wise. It protects your peace and aligns your priorities with God’s will.

And asking for help? That’s not weakness, it’s strength.

Even Moses had to be told, “You’re doing too much” (Exodus 18:18).
Even Jesus had disciples.

I bought Canva Pro a few months ago to grow my Instagram and Pinterest presence. I had ideas, but no time. ‘Put up IG and Pinterest posts’ kept showing up on my to-do list, and the longer it sat there unticked, the more overwhelmed I felt.

Eventually, I hired a social media manager. What would’ve taken me a month was done in a week. I realised trying to be ‘self-sufficient’ was robbing me of freedom and focus. 

“You’re not weak for needing help. You’re weak for pretending you don’t.” — Afnan Khalifa

5. Journal or Talk It Out

Getting your thoughts out, whether on paper or in conversation, can reset your soul.

When I started journaling my thoughts, I felt lighter. Some days, I just poured out raw emotion. If journaling isn’t your thing, find a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist.

“.....Victory is won through many advisers.” — Proverbs 11:14

And yes, Christians can go to therapy. Even leaders do.

Ask God to lead you to the right person to speak to.

Godly counsel brings clarity. Don’t suffer in silence.
Write. Reflect. Release. Let it all out in a safe, healing way.

6. Move Your Body

Movement doesn’t just shift your physical state, it renews your mind.

Go for a walk. Stretch. Dance. Breathe in fresh air.

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

Sometimes, a walk in nature or a 10-minute workout is enough to break the fog.

Let creation remind you: you are alive, and God is sustaining you.

7. Rest

True rest isn’t laziness, it’s a declaration of trust.

God modelled rest after creation (Genesis 2:1-3).
He reminded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8) because they forget quickly. Similarly, in our modern world, we can overlook the need to rest amid a culture that rewards hustle.

“I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” — Jeremiah 31:25

Genuine rest requires faith. It might feel strange to dedicate an entire day to not opening your laptop, scrolling through Instagram, or binge-watching a show. Especially when you’re emotionally spent, rest isn’t about substituting one distraction for another, it’s about being still in His presence.

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3

After a long day when I’ve knocked everything off my to-do list, my go-to was to flop onto the sofa, turn on some TV, and dive into ice cream or eat monkey nuts (something is soothing about cracking those shells 😄).

But the more I’ve learned to rest with God, the less I’ve needed those distractions. When I feel overwhelmed, my soul doesn’t cry out for noise; it longs for Him. Instead of reaching for a screen, I choose quiet moments of worship and conversation with Jesus.

“Rest is not a reward for productivity. It’s a response to grace.”

Practical Steps to Reset This Week

1. Set a 10-minute daily quiet time: no phone, just you and God
2. Set time limits on social media
3. Say no to one non-essential task
4. Go outside for a short walk
5. End your day with worship or prayer instead of mindless scrolling

Ready to Reset?

Jesus isn’t asking you to do more.
He’s asking you to come, just as you are.
Weary. Overwhelmed. Frustrated.

He’ll give you the kind of rest the world can’t offer.

“When we see Jesus clearly, we follow Him closely. But we won’t do that until we slow down and trust His promises more than our preferences.” — Perry Noble

Let’s Connect

Friend, I’m not writing this as someone who’s mastered it all.
I’m still learning to pause, breathe, and trust God in the chaos.

But I’ve seen His grace meet me in the mess, and He’ll meet you, too.

Let me know in the comments:
What part of this spoke to you?
Where do you need His rest most?

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